Dominican Republic Summer High School Leadership Program

Global glimpse is easily on of the best programs I've ever been apart of which makes sense since it is on of the few programs available that allows you an opportunity to leave the country, and In doing so, I was able to not only have the best two weeks of my life, but also developing a appreciation for a different culture, which was the most important takeaway for me. Trust me, on this trip you will meet amazing people that you will want to stay in touch with forever, and not only that, but get pretty close with them in such a short time while making amazing memories, which is what most people love about this program. But the experiences you will have meeting the local people is everything. This program will not just teach you everything but will instead show you everything which is so important to really learning about struggles diffrent cultures face and how You will be able to see the closeness people going through struggle have that you might not see back in your communities, teamwork and solidarity beetween people that you won't see, all because of a different environment and culture, which is beautiful. And focusing away from there struggles is also smth seen on the trip. It's not just the problems, it's also the positives, you will see beautiful architecture that local people are proud of, you will enjoy food that local people are proud of, and you will learn to support people so they can support themselves and other in return. You will get to enjoy a new and beautiful way of life, and get a passion to help support more people, the passion to lead. And a passion to learn outside of your comfort zone.

Hi!! i was given the opportunity to travel with Global Glimpse to the Dominican Republic this year and i’m so glad i went. it was such an amazing experience getting to know other people in my delegation, along with the leaders and program coordinators who were incredibly supportive and helpful. it was my first time being so far away from home and everyone i was around made me feel safe and welcome in a completely new environment, and i felt comfortable asking for help and advice. the trip was very well structured and the coordinators did a really great job of making sure we were on time for our activities and made sure we were able to build community with each other, and the locals we met. it was a really nice balance of being an educational trip and fun trip since at the accommodation we had free time between activities and a fun day towards the end of the first week, so we didn’t feel burnt out or stressed the entire time. this was such a valuable trip for me and really sparked my interest in travel and public service and i know it’ll do the same for future glimpsers!

This trip really helped me grow as an individual and learn more about the world around me. By working with peers of my age, I was able to learn more about the Dominican Republic and the people there. Through our excursions planned by Global Glimpse, we made strong bonds that helped us complete our project for the community. These activities made me realize who I am on my own and with others. While contact home was limited, Global Glimpse helped ease other worries such as financial problems by offering scholarships and installment opportunities. In essence, Global Glimpse provides high school students with a great way to see the world they live in and develop themselves.

Traveling to a different country without your family and with no technology for two weeks might sound scary at first but despite the concerns and the hesitations, traveling to one of the 3 countries offered by Global Glimpse (Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Panama) is a life changing experience you would not want to miss out on. Personally I was really hesitant and had many worries about this trip but once I was at the airport on my way to the Dominican Republic all my worries went away because I knew how accomplishing it felt for my family and I to be able to send me on this trip. The moment I knew this trip would allow me to bond and create new connections was when at the airport everyone was already getting to know each other, we were laughing, talking, and even crying to one another. That comforting feeling of being able to connect with people so fast was the moment I knew I had nothing to worry about because I would be surrounded by an amazing group of people who truly cared about one another. I also want to add that the bond formed between me and all 4 of my leaders is honestly one of my favorite things about this entire trip.Once my delegation arrived to our accommodation in San Pedro De Macorís DR we got all settled in, got some rest to be energized and ready to go the next morning. Each day consisted of a new and exciting activity, from exploring the city, doing some shopping, playing games with the community, etc, every single day you were experiencing something new that related to the culture of the country and it was such a joyful and fun time. Not to give anything away for future delegations but my favorite activity was definitely playing a game of baseball with the kids of the community and with my GG team! I will say, although yes our days are packed and tiring, you may experience being home sick and that is totally okay! I was personally really home sick a lot of the time but the support and the mutual feeling between other glimpsers brought me comfort knowing everything was okay. Oh and those 2 phone calls home are something you and your family will cherish! Something I want to add that I wish I took more seriously about the Dominican Republic is DO NOT underestimate the heat. The weather is very hot and humid and it can get exhausting so make sure you bring enough clothes and fresh outfits as that is really important! Last thing I want to make worth mentioning is the experience gained from this program is like no other. You will learn how to be more appreciative, you will gain compassion, the Global Glimpse program will overall just help you grow as a person, and who doesn't want that. I hope more people can gain more knowledge on what the program consists of because this is not something you should miss out on.

This trip was such an amazing opportunity that I had such a great time on. I flew and stayed in Juan Dolió, Dominican Republic with 20 other students from the Chicago area and our two leaders. We spent some days learning about different problems the communities were facing and how current organizations are helping before working to help build and floor some houses in one of the villages. It was a no phones trip (once we got to the DR), but I’m so glad it was because I got so close with so many of the other students on the trip. The organization (Global Glimpse) is also amazing with helping to make the experience so affordable for everyone through financial aid and even helped us get passports if we needed them.

Recently, I traveled to Constanza in the Dominican Republic, a trip that deeply impacted my self-identity and personal growth. I initially signed up for the trip without knowing anyone, I was scared that I wouldn't have fun since I had no friends nor cellphone. However, my fears were quickly alleviated as I made my first friend even before departing for the Dominican Republic. The friendships I formed on this trip were amazing and made me forget what a cellphone even was. The days were perfectly planned, a perfect balance of structured activities and free time. The accommodations were outstanding, delicious food, comfortable rooms, and a welcoming staff. The adults on the trip treated us like family, always ready to assist with any problem, big or small, and constantly checking on our well-being. I had the opportunity to try new foods, dance, create art, shop, work and live like a local, visit crystal-clear beaches, and most importantly, improve the lives of others. Our goal on this trip was to improve a local school, and together with other students, we tackled several projects. These activities were not just about physical labor; they were about collaboration, understanding, and mutual respect. As we worked, local children joined us, adding their touches. It was a beautiful blend of cultures coming together to create something meaningful. I returned home with a deeper appreciation for diversity and a strengthened ability to engage with others, regardless of our differences. It showed me that even as a teenager, I have the ability to adapt, contribute, and grow in unfamiliar environments. This trip has been my favorite thus far and truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Going into this trip had me excited for MONTHS!. Knowing that I was going to be able to have a chance to go to a new country with new people had me full of excitement. During my trip I was able to experience new things for example, discovering the culture, foods, and community. This allowed me to stay interested throughout the whole trip since we had new things to do. I really enjoyed being able to see community’s and factories working on their products like vegetables and the growing process!!!

The trip, for sure, was life changing. Especially if you have never traveled without your parents, or traveled at all even, it is a journey you’ll never forget. The people you’ll meet will share a great bond with you. For me, I met people whom I could share everything with: from light-hearted conversations to ones I’ve struggled with telling others. Of course, this is a trip where you’ll be co-inhabiting with many others. And on my trip, many were wonderful trip mates with a few hiccups here and there. But hey, that’s just preparing you for life. Something that I would like to say is, the trip is like a mini experience at real life for us reaching the real world. There were times when my patience was tested to its limits, others when I feel like I truly belong. I would recommend this trip to just about anyone as it helps better you in so many ways. I tend to be more reserved in social outings. However, this trip has made me realize that it is only a mindset. That goes for so many things. The food, the city, the people, you truly get to immerse yourself into the country on this trip.